Decoy's: Friend or Foe?

The question has to come up at least a dozen times a season... "Do you use decoy's?" Yeah, I sure do and wouldn't have it any other way. Even during the most rushed times, I find it crucial to at least have a Jake and hen set up. I used to feel much differently about it though. If I was running late to a spot, I'd rather just be set up without any decoy's thrown into the mix. Why the change of heart you might ask. I'll tell you why... Even if the Gobbler coming into your call isn't interested in the decoy at all, it still gives him something else to focus on, other than yourself. Now let's be clear, more times than not, that big Gobbler is looking right at those decoy's for a reason! Yet on the flip side, there's no evidence saying that it's impossible to call in a bird without a decoy present. The most important thing about them is that it takes the attention of of you. Maybe you'd get away with putting a call down, or moving your gun slightly, when otherwise you wouldn't.